Author Landy to speak at Pine Island Elks
Author Donald Landy will be the guest speaker Tuesday, Jan. 28, at noon, at the Pine Island Elks 5630 Pine Island Road, Bokeelia.
Landy is a late-blooming lover of dogs and cats. A former automotive executive, he retired at the age of 55 after serving as president and chief operating officer of a group of companies that are known throughout the world.
His wife is a professional breeder of show cats, and, as a result, dogs were never allowed in the house. That was, until a brutal winter storm brought a very large, tired and hungry dog to the front door. After experiencing the heartbreak of finding their houseguest a forever home, they realized it was time to add a baby to the family, and before know it, they were the proud owners of a 9 1/2-week-old German shepherd named Sabrina.
Over the next 11 years, Sabrina went from one debilitating illness to another. They spent much of their time traveling from one specialist to another, watching and waiting as she underwent six major surgeries. But no matter how intense the pain, her disposition never changed. She loved everyone, and bounded through life with the spirit of a puppy and an ever present smile.
Sabrina taught everyone she met the meaning of courage. Each and every day, she demonstrated that life was to be truly lived, for however long God chose to grant her. But the most important lesson Sabrina had to share was that of unconditional lovel which is expressed in Don Landy’s first book, “Unconditional Love, on Loan from God.”
When they lost their first dog after nearly 11 years, they said, “Never again,” but seven months later, Tia entered their lives. “A Letter to Tia: Grief. Grieving. The Love, Pain and Loss of a Friend,” is his deeply personal account of confronting Tia’s diagnosis with cancer, and experiencing the grief that pet owners endure when dealing with the loss of a beloved pet.
Don Landy never expected to write a book, and suddenly Sabrina’s story, “Unconditional Love On Loan from God” became a reality. And he never expected to write a second book until the pain of love produced “A Letter to Tia.”
Today, at 75, Don and Carla share what they have learned with pet owners as they travel from one book signing to another. The letters he receives from his readers telling him that his writing has touched their hearts makes it all worthwhile.
A goodly portion of the proceeds from my books is donated to Southeastern Guide Dogs, Palmetto, Fla., providing guide and service dogs free of charge to those in need and to our military personnel suffering from PTSD and the loss of sight. Books will be available at the luncheon.
Make lunch reservations by Jan. 24 by calling our Joy Veatch at 239-821-3942 or email – jveatch@gmail.com The cost is $12 (includes drink). Lunch will be provided by Little Lily’s Deli; there will be a charge of $5 for those attending who brown bag or come only for the author’s presentation.
For additional information, contact Friends President Judy Hopkins juhopkins@msn.com or call 425-346-7226